Prior studies have been performed to understand the optimal way to minimize the morbidity rate of buccal mucosa. While some studies have reported primary closure to be inferior to healing by secondary intention, this appears to be true for large defects greater than 2 cm in width. For small defects for which the wound can be closed without tension, the most recent study has shown improved pain outcomes in the immediate post-operative setting, although no difference is seen long term whether or not the wound was primarily closed. However, for larger defects, standard practice is to allow delayed healing by secondary intention.